There are many advantages of using steel for your construction projects. Contrary to brick buildings, steel buildings are highly cost-effective, less labour-intensive to build, conducive to the environment and more resilient to natural fluctuations in temperature and moisture. Once erected, steel demands significantly less maintenance than a brick structure. Here are five such advantages in detail:

Cost-effective.

Steel buildings cost about 30-60% less than any brick structure, depending on the type of metal construction. The majority of steel buildings (such as the ones produced by the company Armstrong Steel) are prefabricated or require the use of prefab components, which significantly reduces the cost to engineer, design and construct such parts. As the majority of the pieces are pre-cut and amassed they require less labour, which also lessens your total cost. The durability of the materials used will ensure less future maintenance, which will also save you money in the long run with limited upkeep.

conversely, brick materials are costly and must be built one brick at a time. This drastically increases labour costs. Also, due to the contraction and expansion caused by thawing, moisture infiltration and freezing, brick houses require regular upkeep to mend cracks or fallen sections, and to bolster seeping mortar.

Steel Is Conducive to the Environment

Steel is conducive to the environment in a number of ways. A steel project necessitates fewer materials during construction. Also, the finished product requires less upkeep. It may be worth investing in some form of insulation, so that your construction is as energy efficient as possible. Additionally, it is also possible to get a federal tax credit for using manufactured steel because of its environmental friendliness.

On the other hand, bricks do not decompose well, particularly at the end of their lifespan. In addition, bricks go through the decomposition process much quicker triggering an endless stream of mold, which in itself is a serious health hazard.

THE STRENGTH OF STEEL

Bigger steel buildings are resistant to earthquakes, fires, high winds, rain and other natural disasters. Steel is one of planet earth’s most sustainable materials. Not only is steel completely recyclable, but it can be recycled unendingly without any loss of strength or quality, maximizing the efficient use of materials. As well as this, steel itself rarely emits contaminants, unlike wood or plastic products.

Now with the additional layer of passive fire protection like spray-on fireproofing, buildings made of structural steel can withstand greater temperatures and safety.

STEEL BUILDINGS ARE EASIER TO EXPAND

It may come as a surprise to you that with the passage of time if you run out of space, your steel building can be easily expanded. In simple terms, all you or the contractor has to do is to detach an end wall to broaden the structure by adding on to the framework. Also, you can procure the same materials used in the first construction without fear of them being outdated or substituted by another type.

STEEL CAN BE MADE APPEALING

Irrespective of the various advantages of a steel building over the brick structure, the former still falls short on the aesthetics front compared to the latter. Admittedly, a steel building is not somebody’s idea of a honeymoon getaway, (unless it is nearby a lake) but the looks can be fixed. You can, in fact, use stucco, stone, glass or even brick to complement the steel facade. Something else to bear in mind, you can get creative by using a steel frame for the roof and another material like wood or brick for the exterior walls.

Remember, steel is practically the best choice for your construction project.